Soon-to-be Port Arthur Memorial graduate Kameron Martin said Saturday morning he has not decided to ask for a release from his letter of intent to play football at Baylor this upcoming season.
Martin spoke with The News less than 24 hours after it was reported on a blog on ESPN.com that Martin does not plan to enroll at the Waco university this coming week and is requesting a release from his binding letter of intent. The blog cited “a source close to the situation” for the information.
“I really don’t know what source he [the blogger] got it from,” Martin said Saturday morning. “As of right now, I’m still a Baylor Bear, but I just have to do what’s best for Kameron Martin.”
The blog also came one day after Baylor announced it fired coach Art Briles and demoted Ken Starr from president to chancellor. The moves came as results of a report from a Philadelphia law firm detailing its findings of Baylor’s handling of sexual assault complaints against players.
Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett has been widely reported to become the interim head coach, although Baylor has not made such an announcement.
Memorial coach Kenny Harrison said he hadn’t talked much with Martin in recent days and wasn’t sure if Martin planned to ask for a release, adding he was going to talk with Martin and his family Saturday afternoon. Harrison said he was not the source who talked with the ESPN blogger.
Martin had been long verbally committed to Baylor before signing with the Bears in February. After Briles’ firing, Martin tweeted his appreciation to the coach.
“Thanks for everything @CoachArtBriles,” Martin tweeted Thursday. He added: “Have to keep my head up through this whole process #CatchingBlessings”
It is not immediately known whether Martin or any current or incoming player could play the 2016 season at another school if released, but the NCAA has set precedents in allowing players to be released from a scandal-ridden program and be eligible without having to sit out the usually required one year.
“I’m going to pray on everything,” Martin said. “I have to make the best decision for me, just do what’s best for me. Some people might not like my decision, but it’s my decision. These people are not going to be in the classroom with me. These people are not going to be on the football field with me, you know? I just have to do what’s best for me, if it’s at Baylor, or if it’s — who says — Lamar? I’m just throwing stuff out there. I just have to do what’s best for me.”
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I.C. Murrell: 721-2435. Twitter: @ICMurrellPANews